Clemente wins second straight state wrestling title

ALBANY — Zach Clemente of La Salle gave up two takedowns in a match for the first time in two seasons, but he was able to score enough tonight to decision Brian Herold of Macarthur (Section VIII) 8-7 to win his second consecutive New York State wrestling championship.

Clemente (48-2) won the 145-pound championship at Times Union Center. Bound for Virginia in the fall, Clemente finished his career 201-27.

“I didn’t quite dominate as much as I thought I would,” Clemente said. “It’s tough, though. It’s the toughest sports there is.”

Clemente won the 140-pound title last year and was a state runner-up as a sophomore.